Brian Balmages

If You PLAY Something, SAY Something!

Everyone agrees on the importance of playing musically. But HOW is this accomplished? And what does it even mean to play musically? Getting the ensemble to understand its role in breathing life into a phrase is one of the most critical elements in any rehearsal or performance. Explore the difference between true musicality and the concept of “choreographed musicianship” as Balmages engages the audience through performance so attendees can actually EXPERIENCE the different tiers of musicality. Band, string and choir directors all welcome!

Foundations: Hiding the Vegetables in Awesomesauce

Over the last year, Brian Balmages and Fred Flowerday’s “Foundations” Series has transformed the way students approach technique and how eagerly they engage in practicing. Discover more about this ever-evolving, powerful tool that combines a wealth of warm-ups, fundamentals, and technique exercises with incredible movie soundtracks from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Beetlejuice, Wonka, The Polar Express, Elf, and so many more. Your students won’t even realize they are practicing and improving daily!

About Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more. As a conductor, he has performed in nearly all 50 states with notable engagements including “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, United States Air Force Band, performances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), numerous state ASTA conferences, Teatro dell’Aquila (Italy), and others. Currently, he is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred Music and MakeMusic.